Office Pet

She’d also said that he hadn’t selected a pet from any of his employees before. I was the first, and I was—not honored—but pleased he’d chosen me. After all, he could have had any woman he wanted, but instead, he’d chosen me or was I the one who’d chosen him? I wasn’t entirely sure.

Two long hours later, the car pulled to a stop on what sounded like gravel, but because of the blackened windows, I had no clue where we were. We could be in Timbuktu for all I knew.

After a few seconds, Max opened the passenger door. I was disappointed because I had wanted to see Kane, but he was no where around.

The salty scent of the ocean blew into the car, and a light breeze lifted my hair.

“Where are we?” I asked, as I looked up.

A large mansion stood before us; the town car parked in its circular drive. The house was two stories with large rectangular windows and white brick walls. It was clean and neat, and shone brightly as the white walls reflected the moonlight. The walls rose up to a gray shingle roof that was interspersed with more rectangular dormer windows. It was a Hamptons’ house. I felt my insides quiver with nervousness. I looked down at the expanse of brown and ice covered lawn. It was so neat and even, it could have been cut by hand. I swallowed hard and vowed to never make fun of Hamptons’ houses again.

“You are where you should be,” Max replied. From his back pocket, he produced a blindfold. “Before you step out of the car, Mr. McKenzie has requested you wear this.”

I shook my head and then give myself a mental kick for getting into the car with Max in the first place. “Not happening. You could be a serial killer or a sex trafficker, and this could be all a ruse.”

His lips quirked into a smile. “I promise you I’m not a serial killer or a sex trafficker.”

My phone, which was clutched in my hand, rang. It was Kane. “Why are you stalling?” he asked as soon as I answered. His was voice tight with annoyance.

“Why do I have to wear a blindfold?” I sort of whined. “I don’t understand any of this.”

“Do you trust me?” Kane asked.

“Yes, but—”

He huffed into the phone. “There are no buts. Do you trust me?”

“I trust you.”

“Then put on the blindfold and allow Max to take you to where you’re supposed to go.”

Wherever Kane was, he was watching me. I glanced around the interior of the car. There were probably numerous cameras documenting my every move.

“Fine. I’ll wear the blindfold,” I huffed back into my phone, “but I’m not happy about all the cloak and dagger crap.”

“Trust me,” he said before hanging up. It sounded like he was smiling.

“May I?” Max asked holding out the blindfold.

I shrugged. “I guess I have no choice.”

Without further comment, he placed the thick cotton fabric over my eyes and then secured it in place at the back of my head with a double knot.

The world vanished, and my heartbeat ratcheted up. Holy hell. What the fuck was I about to walk into?

Trust me. Kane’s words echoed through my head. I was doing my best to trust him, but it was becoming more and more difficult.

“Give me your hand and let me guide you out of the car,” Max said. “Follow my instructions, and I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

“O-okay.”

He wrapped his warm, meaty hand around my fingers and helped me step outside. “We’re going to walk forward about five feet.”

I took a few hesitant steps forward over gravel and was glad I’d worn my flat boots because heels would have been a bad choice. Knowing me, I would have broken one or both of my ankles.

I inhaled the scent of the ocean doing my best to tamp down my anxiety. It wasn’t working. Panic bubbled up inside me, but every time my fear threatened to boil over, I stuffed it down and told myself everything would be okay, and that Kane wouldn’t hurt me.

“Stop walking,” Max instructed. “Enjoy your evening.” He dropped my hand and left me on my own.

I clenched and unclenched my fists by my side and waited. I knew I was still outside by the slight ocean breeze ruffling my hair. Somewhere in the distance, a door opened, and the sound of classical music surrounded me.

After a few seconds, I sensed Kane’s nearness. A smile twitched the corners of my lips, but instead of allowing my smile to take hold, I scowled. He needed to know how annoyed I was for being ignored for almost two weeks and then for being made to wear a blindfold.

“Someone’s pissed,” he said, sounding amused.

I turned towards the sound of his voice. Part of me wanted to fall into his arms and once again beg him to fuck me, but I’d lasted two weeks without him, and I’d last two more if I had to. Although, I hoped that wouldn’t happen.